Effects of probiotic supplementation (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on pancreatic alpha and beta cells and energy metabolic profile in broilers

Abstract

Abstract The use of growth-promoting antibiotics has increased bacterial resistance, making made it urgent to look for options in nutritional supplementation with probiotics. This, in turn, can contribute to improving nutrition as well as welfare of broilers. Objective: To assess the effect of supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on areas of islets of Langerhans and alpha and beta cells (α- and β-cells) in broilers by immunohistochemistry (IHC). To correlate areas of α- and β-cells in relation to pancreatic islet area, glucose, and insulin in both SC-supplemented and control groups. To correlate data obtained for triglycerides, total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol, and histological parameters of vacuolar assessment in central splenic arteriole and coronary arteries in both treatments. Materials and Methods: Two treatments were assessed: T1 (control group without probiotics; n = 10) and T2 (group treated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae; n = 14). Islet areas were measured according to the number of islets established per animal, with number of islets per individual equal to five for groups T1 (n = 10) and T2 (n = 14). Alpha and beta cells were measured by IHC (40x) with primary anti-glucagon (clone EP74) and anti-insulin (clone EP125) antibodies. Serum glucose and insulin were determined by spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis employed "t" tests for unpaired samples and Pearson’s correlation. Results: HDL cholesterol increased in T2 (14.54 ± 0.979) (p = 0.0365) as compared to T1 (12.20 ± 0.8424) mg/dL. Glycemia decreased in T2 (p = 0.01) (244.7 ± 7.5) vs. T1 (297.9 ± 21.18). Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CS) decreased serum glycemia without affecting insulin. It modified the correlation of areas of pancreatic cell population in islets of Langerhans and enlarged areas of α-cells vs. β-cells, thereby maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. In addition, SC increased levels of high-density cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. Financial support: General Directorate of Research at Universidad de los Llanos.